Days, months, years fly by. I’m reminding myself again of the importance of slowing down and taking the time to write things down. Write them down here, a journal, anywhere, but just somewhere. I want to be able to recall them at all of their ages, phases and stages growing up. Our days are packed and oftentimes we are taking it day-by-day here, running these boys around to practices, games, youth nights at church and school meetings. Their schedules are full, busier than ours. Not always too busy that we are overwhelmed but when you multiply anything three times, it’s a lot.

So much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. These three brothers and their Daddy are at the top of my list. None of us are perfect and we all have our individual faults but today I write about our three sons here, in the brightest light. ⭐️

Right now, I look at Hunter, our firstborn and can’t believe that he is twelve. I look at his big brown eyes and see this little dark spec that he has in the bottom corner of his right eye, like an eye freckle. And I think about all of those times I stared down at him, in my arms as a baby and would just see that cute, little spec. It’s noticeable (to me) and unique like a fingerprint. While everything about him has grown and matured, he still has the same color eyes as he did when he was born. Time has passed and there are so many amazing memories in these twelve years. He is maturing into a young man. Middle school has been the best thing for him. He loves Robotics, coding, pitching and playing baseball, riding bikes, fixing things, fishing and being with his buddies.

Hunter thanked us recently for taking away video games (a year and a half ago) and understands the benefits of not having a phone, or any device for that matter, at his age. (A challenge we overcame together.) His eyes are now fixed on things that matter. Hunter is the oldest child, like both of his parents. He is a little bossy, knows it all, but a natural leader. He could be an engineer, professional baseball player, or successful salesman. We have to remind him not to parent his younger siblings. Hunter cares to do his best in school, as a teammate, as a friend, brother, grandson, cousin and son. We are so grateful for Hunter Ray.

I look at Deacon and see his smile. He is ten years old and is growing up quickly. We notice that people, friends naturally gravitate towards him whether in the classroom, at church or the ballfield. He makes friends everywhere he goes and we know it is because he has a gift and he truly sees the best in people. He is kind above all things and genuinely likes people… DD is a lot like his Dad. He cares for others and fights for fairness (as a middle child must do from time to time). He is incredibly smart and yet plenty goofy too.  His big smile will brighten your day. From his little baby gummy smile, to baby teeth and a few chips in his front teeth (and 2 repairs) too, that smile tells a story. One day he will likely need braces and perhaps a more permanent fix to his chipped tooth but his smile sure shines bright and we know it always will.

Deacon loves baseball and being a part of a team. He enjoys fishing, being challenged in math, asking us what-if scenarios, reading, spending quality time with his family and friends, cooking and doing for others. He is determined and can also be stubborn when it comes to doing his homework. (Ask him about his 4th grade Woodrow Wilson project, his Leader in Me final project or his recent essay on Turkeys– all of them were like pulling teeth). Deacon is loyal. He is quick to forgive and move on- just ask his older brother, the biggest beneficiary of this gift. DD wants to be a Dad and a professional MLB player when he grows up. He sings and dances at youth group and it takes a lot for him to get embarrassed. He is a very special middle son. We are so grateful for Deacon David.

When I see my youngest, I can’t believe he is seven. Such a young and innocent age. An age between being a big kid and a little kid. The world expects so much from a second grader: hurry up, don’t forget this, remember that, keep your eye on the ball, run fast, tie your shoes, do your chores. Wyatt wants to be as big as his older brothers and yet has many little kid qualities still too. I see Wyatt’s hands. They are so busy all of the time. From fishing to coloring, to playing baseball, and to praying… He uses his hands wrestling the dogs, playing hide and seek, teaching the dogs how to play hide and seek and climb trees, (no I’m not kidding) and then fishing some more. His hands are hardly ever washed enough (in my opinion) and are constantly getting into snacks that he shouldn’t have.

Wyatt uses his hands to push buttons: buttons to roll down his back seat window when I’m driving, and buttons to open the garage door when he goes to fish at the neighbor’s dock early Saturday mornings. He pushes the remote’s volume button all the way up to 100 when I am vacuuming the house and mostly he loves to push our buttons. Someone once described his hands like that of a mechanic’s. No matter how hard he scrubs, his nails always have a little dirt in them. (I hope they don’t smell like fish when he goes to school- even though he bathes daily.) Right now he eats, sleeps and breathes fishing- a recent obsession. (He is like me, when we really like something, we go all in.) I want him to stay little but we will forever cheer on his big accomplishments. He will always be the baby brother and likely, a professional angler and will go into the family business. We are so grateful for Wyatt Robert.

And in the spirit of Gratitude, Thank you God for our three sons.

HE, DE and WE- you are the joy of our lives.

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Happy Thanksgiving!!

Xoxo

Kim